Baked Beans with Ground Beef is the perfect side dish for your next family dinner or potluck! These hearty baked beans consist of a few cans of beans with the addition of ground beef, making a delicious, savory bean mixture! It’s a fantastic side dish that’s perfect for family gatherings and social events because it can feed a lot of people. Everyone needs the best baked beans recipe, and here it is. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Looking for more easy recipes for a potluck or family gathering? Check out our BLT Salad, Easy Cherry Crisp, or Coleslaw.

A bowl of baked beans with ground beef in a white bowl.

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I’m not sure if this qualifies as a traditional Southern baked beans recipe, but it certainly seems like it could be! The combination of baked beans and hamburger creates a hearty side dish that feels right at home in Southern cuisine. Baked beans are typically seen at every barbecue and summer cookout, and I think it should be mandatory to serve them in the colder months as well! Baked beans with hamburger is a dish that is delicious any time of the year. It’s a fantastic side dish that’s perfect for family gatherings and social events because it can feed a lot of people!

What are Baked Beans, and What Beans are in Baked Beans

While visiting The Bush’s® Visitor Center in Tennessee, I learned so much about beans, and I found it fascinating! I highly recommend going if you are ever in the vicinity. We’ve been several times now—it’s that good! Baked beans are a classic dish made from navy beans slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, often flavored with ingredients like brown sugar or molasses. The beans used in baked beans are typically navy beans. These small, white beans are favored for their tender texture and ability to absorb flavors well during the cooking process. Baked beans can also include additions like onions, mustard, and meats such as bacon or ground beef to enhance their savory taste. Using canned baked beans and doctoring them up is such an easy and quick way to enjoy beans!

What you’ll love about this Baked Beans Recipe:

HEARTY & SATISFYING – This dish is a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it a comforting meal for any occasion.
EASY TO PREPARE – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is quick to put together.
VERSATILE DISH – Great as a main dish or a side, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and barbecues. It makes alot and is frugal too!

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing Hamburger Baked Beans:

Ground beef
Onion
Baked beans
Ketchup
Brown sugar
Worcestershire sauce
Mustard
Garlic powder
Salt
Black pepper

INGREDIENT NOTES:

Ground Beef: I used 1 pound of ground beef, but you can add an extra half a pound if you want a real meaty flavor. Also feel free to use lean ground beef or ground pork instead.
Baked Beans: I used Bush’s Beans Original flavor, but use your favorite brand of canned beans.
Seasonings: A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and garlic powder creates a delicious sweet and tangy sauce.

HOW TO MAKE Baked Beans with Ground Beef STEP-BY-STEP:

Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.

STEPS: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Cook the Ground Beef and Onion:
- In a large skillet, or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain the excess grease.
Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef and onions, baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
Bake:
- Bake uncovered in a preheated oven for 1 hour, or until bubbly and heated through.

STEP 3: Pour in the beef broth and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, around 5-7 minutes.

PRO TIP:

For extra flavor, you can add a bit of cayenne pepper or green bell pepper to the mixture before baking. This will give the beans a subtle spicy kick and additional texture.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating..

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

Bacon: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Bell Peppers: Add chopped bell peppers for a bit of color and crunch.
Spices: Add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika for additional depth of flavor.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.
Brown Sugar: Substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetener option.

FAQs about this BBQ Beans with Hamburger Meat:

Yes, you can mix in other beans like kidney beans or black beans for variety.

Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Be sure not to over-stir the mixture when combining the ingredients, and bake uncovered to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

What Can I Serve with this semi Homemade Baked Beans?

Serve these baked beans with hamburger and hot dogs, potato salad, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It’s also a great side for barbecues and summer cookouts.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I’m excited for you to try this Baked beans with Ground Beef? After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!